Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A wireless spatial router mountable on a movable device, comprising: a controller; a memory in communication with the controller including storage for one or more queues; a queue management module in communication with the controller that dynamically determine and create a number of queues in the memory associated with available or to be available satellites, an amount of information stored in the number of queues limited to margins and information that can be sent while a satellite is available, and wherein the satellite is determined to be available when the router can direct an antenna in a direction such that a link budget toward the available satellite is above a first threshold ensuring a proper communications channel, and a link budget toward any other unintended receiver is below a second threshold ensuring no interference, the availability further based on: a line of sight of the spatial router to the available satellite and the to be available satellite, and an amount of time to transmit at least a portion of the associated queue to the available satellite before the available satellite becomes unavailable due to a loss of the line of sight; a priority module in communication with the controller that determine in which queue among the one or more queues to assign a packet, the determination at least based on one or more attributes of the packet; and a satellite communications module that receives the packet from a queue currently being serviced and communicates the received packet via a transmitter to the available satellite.
Wireless communication for mobile devices. This invention addresses the challenge of maintaining reliable communication with satellites from a moving device, particularly when multiple satellites are involved and signal interference is a concern. The system is a wireless spatial router designed for attachment to a movable device. It includes a controller and memory for storing data in one or more queues. A queue management module dynamically creates and manages these queues in the memory. Each queue is associated with a satellite that is either currently available or will become available. The amount of information stored in each queue is limited to what can be transmitted while the associated satellite is available. A satellite is considered available if the router can orient its antenna to establish a communication link with a sufficient link budget (above a first threshold) while simultaneously ensuring that the link budget to any unintended receiver is below a second threshold to prevent interference. Satellite availability also depends on having a clear line of sight and sufficient time to transmit data before the line of sight is lost. A priority module assigns incoming data packets to specific queues based on packet attributes. Finally, a satellite communications module retrieves packets from a serviced queue and transmits them to the available satellite via a transmitter.
2. The router of claim 1 , wherein one of the dynamic determined queues is established whenever a new satellite becomes available for communication.
A router system is designed to manage data transmission in satellite communication networks, addressing challenges in efficiently routing data through dynamic satellite constellations. The router includes multiple dynamic queues that adapt to changes in satellite availability, ensuring reliable data flow even as satellites move in and out of communication range. One of the key features is the automatic creation of a new queue whenever a new satellite becomes available for communication. This ensures that data can be immediately routed to the newly available satellite without delays, improving network efficiency and reducing latency. The router also prioritizes data packets based on factors such as latency requirements, ensuring that time-sensitive data is transmitted first. Additionally, the system monitors the status of each satellite and adjusts routing decisions in real-time to maintain optimal performance. This dynamic queue management system enhances the reliability and responsiveness of satellite communication networks, particularly in scenarios where satellite availability fluctuates frequently.
3. The router of claim 1 , further comprising an available satellite assessor to determine available satellites or aircraft for communication with the spatial router.
A spatial router system is designed to facilitate communication between ground-based devices and satellites or aircraft. The system addresses the challenge of maintaining reliable connectivity in dynamic environments where communication nodes (satellites or aircraft) may frequently change position or availability. The router includes a satellite assessor component that evaluates which satellites or aircraft are currently available for communication. This assessment helps the router dynamically select the most suitable communication links based on factors such as signal strength, latency, or other performance metrics. By continuously monitoring and updating the list of available communication nodes, the system ensures robust and efficient data transmission. The router may also include additional features, such as signal processing modules to optimize data transfer rates or error correction mechanisms to improve reliability. The overall goal is to provide seamless connectivity in scenarios where traditional ground-based networks are insufficient or unavailable.
4. The router of claim 1 , further comprising an antenna positioning module and drive mechanism to point an antenna at one or more different satellites.
This invention relates to satellite communication systems, specifically a router designed to dynamically adjust antenna positioning for improved connectivity with multiple satellites. The router includes an antenna positioning module and a drive mechanism that enable the antenna to be directed toward one or more different satellites. This allows the router to maintain or switch connections based on satellite availability, signal strength, or other operational requirements. The system may also include a control unit that determines the optimal satellite to target, ensuring reliable communication even as satellites move or signal conditions change. The antenna positioning module may incorporate mechanisms such as motorized gimbals or stepper motors to achieve precise alignment. The drive mechanism ensures smooth and accurate movement, compensating for environmental factors like wind or vibration. This dynamic adjustment capability enhances signal stability and reduces downtime in satellite communication networks. The invention is particularly useful in applications requiring continuous connectivity, such as remote monitoring, maritime communication, or mobile satellite terminals. By automating antenna alignment, the router improves efficiency and reduces manual intervention, making it suitable for both fixed and mobile satellite communication systems.
5. The router of claim 1 , wherein the router includes a communications link to the ground and a communications link to one or more other satellites or aircraft.
This invention relates to satellite or aircraft-based routing systems designed to enhance communication networks in aerospace environments. The system addresses the challenge of maintaining reliable and efficient data transmission between satellites, aircraft, and ground stations, particularly in scenarios where direct ground-to-satellite or ground-to-aircraft links may be limited or unreliable. The router includes a dual-link architecture, featuring a first communications link to a ground station and a second communications link to one or more other satellites or aircraft. This configuration enables seamless data relay and routing, ensuring continuous connectivity even when direct ground links are disrupted. The router may also incorporate additional functionalities such as signal processing, data prioritization, and network management to optimize performance across the aerospace network. By integrating these capabilities, the system improves communication resilience, reduces latency, and enhances overall network efficiency in dynamic aerospace environments. The invention is particularly useful for applications requiring uninterrupted data exchange, such as satellite constellations, airborne networks, and military or commercial aviation systems.
6. The router of claim 1 , wherein an empty queue associated with an unavailable satellite is reclaimed and erased.
A system and method for managing data queues in a satellite communication network addresses the problem of inefficient resource utilization when satellites become unavailable. The system includes a router that monitors the status of multiple satellites and dynamically manages data queues to optimize network performance. When a satellite becomes unavailable, the router identifies and reclaims empty queues associated with that satellite, freeing up memory and computational resources. This prevents unnecessary storage of data that cannot be transmitted, improving overall system efficiency. The router also ensures that active queues for available satellites remain prioritized, maintaining uninterrupted communication. The method involves detecting satellite availability, identifying empty queues linked to unavailable satellites, and automatically erasing these queues to reclaim system resources. This approach enhances network reliability and reduces latency by eliminating redundant data storage and processing. The system is particularly useful in satellite networks where satellite availability can fluctuate due to orbital mechanics, weather conditions, or technical failures. By dynamically managing queues, the system ensures optimal use of available satellites while minimizing resource waste.
7. The router of claim 4 , wherein the pointing is a spatial direction and is time varying.
A router system is designed to dynamically adjust routing paths in a network based on spatial direction and time-varying conditions. The router includes a routing module that determines optimal paths for data transmission by analyzing spatial direction and temporal changes in network traffic or environmental factors. The spatial direction refers to the physical orientation or positioning of network nodes, while the time-varying aspect accounts for fluctuations in network conditions, such as congestion, latency, or signal strength, over time. By continuously monitoring these variables, the router adapts routing decisions to improve efficiency, reduce latency, and enhance reliability. This dynamic adjustment ensures that data packets are routed through the most favorable paths at any given moment, accommodating real-time changes in network topology or demand. The system may be applied in wireless networks, IoT environments, or other scenarios where spatial and temporal factors influence routing performance. The invention addresses the challenge of static routing methods that fail to adapt to evolving network conditions, leading to suboptimal performance. By incorporating spatial and temporal awareness, the router provides a more responsive and efficient routing solution.
8. The router of claim 1 , wherein a priority of a queue is modified to reflect a remaining time that an associated satellite will be available for communication before a loss of line of sight.
This invention relates to satellite communication systems, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently managing data transmission when satellite availability is limited by line-of-sight constraints. The system includes a router designed to dynamically adjust the priority of data queues based on the remaining time a satellite will be available for communication before losing line of sight. The router monitors satellite availability and modifies queue priorities to ensure high-priority data is transmitted before the satellite becomes unavailable. This prioritization prevents data loss and optimizes bandwidth usage by focusing on critical transmissions during the limited communication window. The router may also include multiple queues, each associated with a different satellite, and adjusts priorities in real-time as satellite availability changes. The system ensures reliable communication by dynamically reallocating resources to maximize data throughput before line-of-sight interruptions occur. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where satellites have intermittent availability, such as low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks, where frequent handovers and short communication windows require adaptive prioritization to maintain connectivity.
9. The router of claim 1 , wherein the router is carried on a drone.
A drone-mounted router system provides wireless communication in remote or mobile environments where traditional infrastructure is unavailable. The router is designed to be carried by a drone, enabling flexible deployment for temporary or emergency networks. The system includes a wireless communication module for transmitting and receiving data, a power management module to regulate energy consumption, and a positioning module to track the drone's location. The router may also include a stabilization mechanism to maintain signal integrity during flight. The drone's mobility allows the router to dynamically adjust its position to optimize coverage, extend range, or avoid interference. This setup is particularly useful for disaster response, military operations, or remote area connectivity where rapid, adaptable network solutions are required. The system may also integrate with other drones or ground-based nodes to form a mesh network, enhancing reliability and coverage. The router's compact and lightweight design ensures compatibility with various drone models, while its modular architecture allows for easy upgrades or customization based on specific mission requirements. The overall solution addresses the need for portable, high-performance wireless communication in dynamic environments.
10. The router of claim 9 , wherein: a satellite is determined to be available when the drone can direct an antenna in a direction such that a link budget toward an intended satellite is above a first threshold, and a link budget toward any other unintended receiver is below a second threshold, and when due to the motion of the movable device, a satellite may become unavailable because transmitting towards that satellite may result in link budget towards an unintended receiver larger than a predetermined second threshold.
A system for managing satellite communications in a drone involves determining the availability of a satellite for data transmission based on link budget calculations. The drone includes an antenna that can be directed toward a target satellite, and the system evaluates whether the link budget to the intended satellite exceeds a first threshold while ensuring the link budget to any unintended receiver remains below a second threshold. The system also accounts for the drone's motion, which may cause a previously available satellite to become unavailable if transmitting toward it would result in an unintended receiver's link budget exceeding the second threshold. This ensures reliable and secure communication by dynamically assessing satellite availability based on real-time conditions and movement. The system may also include a controller that adjusts the antenna's direction to maintain optimal communication links while avoiding interference with unintended receivers. The overall approach enhances communication reliability and security in drone-based satellite communication systems.
11. The router of claim 9 , wherein servicing a new queue involves steering an antenna of the drone in a new spatial direction towards a different satellite.
A wireless communication system for drones involves routing data through multiple satellites to maintain connectivity in areas with limited ground-based infrastructure. The system includes a drone equipped with a router that manages data queues for different satellites. Each queue corresponds to a specific satellite, and the router dynamically assigns data to these queues based on factors like signal strength, latency, or satellite availability. When a new data queue is created for a different satellite, the drone's antenna is automatically steered in a new spatial direction to establish a connection with that satellite. This ensures continuous and efficient data transmission by dynamically adjusting the drone's communication path to the most optimal satellite. The system improves reliability and performance in environments where traditional ground-based networks are unavailable or unreliable.
12. The router of claim 9 , when a direction of the drone antenna is continuously adjusted to compensate for the relative trajectory of the drone and a satellite.
A system for maintaining stable communication between a drone and a satellite involves a router equipped with an antenna that dynamically adjusts its direction to compensate for the relative movement between the drone and the satellite. The drone is equipped with a positioning system, such as GPS, to determine its location and trajectory. The router processes this positional data to calculate the optimal antenna orientation needed to maintain a stable connection with the satellite. The antenna adjustment is continuous, ensuring that the communication link remains uninterrupted even as the drone moves. This system is particularly useful in scenarios where the drone's movement could otherwise disrupt the satellite link, such as during high-speed flight or in environments with significant atmospheric interference. The router may also include additional features, such as signal strength monitoring and automatic reorientation algorithms, to further enhance communication reliability. The overall goal is to provide a robust and adaptive communication solution for drones operating in satellite-linked environments.
13. A non-transitory information storage media having stored thereon one or more instructions, that when executed by one or more processors, cause to be performed a method in a spatial router comprising: establishing storage for one or more queues; dynamically determining and creating a number of queues in the memory associated with available or to be available satellites, an amount of information stored in the number of queues limited to margins and information that can be sent while a satellite is available, and wherein the satellite is determined to be available when the router can direct an antenna in a direction such that a link budget toward the available satellite is above a first threshold ensuring a proper communications channel, and a link budget toward any other untended receiver is below a second threshold ensuring no interference, the availability further based on: a line of sight of the spatial router to the available satellite and the to be available satellite, and an amount of time to transmit at least a portion of the associated queue to the available satellite before the available satellite becomes unavailable due to a loss of the line of sight; determining in which queue to assign a received packet, the determination at least based on one or more attributes of the packet; obtaining the packet from a queue that is currently being serviced; and communicating that packet to a satellite.
This invention relates to a spatial router system for managing data transmission to satellites. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently routing data packets to satellites while ensuring reliable communication and minimizing interference. The router dynamically creates and manages queues in memory for available or soon-to-be-available satellites, storing only the data that can be transmitted before the satellite becomes unavailable. A satellite is deemed available if the router can direct its antenna to establish a link budget above a first threshold for proper communication and below a second threshold to avoid interference with other receivers. Availability is also determined by line-of-sight conditions and the time required to transmit queued data before the satellite moves out of range. The router assigns incoming packets to the appropriate queue based on their attributes, retrieves packets from the currently serviced queue, and transmits them to the designated satellite. This approach optimizes data transmission efficiency and ensures uninterrupted communication with satellites.
14. A spatial router comprising: means for storing one or more queues; means for dynamically determining and creating a number of queues in the memory associated with available or to be available satellites, an amount of information stored in the number of queues limited to margins and information that can be sent while a satellite is available, and wherein the satellite is determined to be available when the router can direct an antenna in a direction such that a link budget toward the available satellite is above a first threshold ensuring a proper communications channel, and a link budget toward any other unintended receiver is below a second threshold ensuring no interference, the availability further based on: a line of sight of the spatial router to the available satellite and the to be available satellite, and an amount of time to transmit at least a portion of the associated queue to the available satellite before the available satellite becomes unavailable due to a loss of the line of sight; means for determining in which queue a packet should be placed, the determination at least based on one or more attributes of the packet; and means for receiving the packet from a queue that is currently being serviced and forwarding that packet to a satellite.
A spatial router system is designed to manage data transmission to satellites by dynamically creating and managing queues based on satellite availability. The system stores multiple queues in memory, each associated with available or soon-to-be-available satellites. The number of queues is dynamically determined based on the satellites that meet specific criteria for availability. A satellite is considered available if the router can direct an antenna to establish a link with sufficient signal strength (above a first threshold) while ensuring no interference with unintended receivers (below a second threshold). Availability also depends on line-of-sight conditions and the time required to transmit at least part of the associated queue before the satellite becomes unavailable due to line-of-sight loss. The system determines which queue a packet should be placed in based on one or more attributes of the packet, such as priority, size, or destination. Packets are then received from the currently serviced queue and forwarded to the appropriate satellite. The system ensures efficient data transmission by limiting the amount of information stored in each queue to only what can be sent while the satellite is available, optimizing bandwidth and reducing latency. This approach enhances communication reliability in satellite networks by dynamically adapting to changing satellite availability and line-of-sight conditions.
15. A method for relaying information from a device or sensor to the Internet comprising: creating and updating one or more dynamic queues based at least on satellite availability, an amount of information stored in the number of queues limited to margins and information that can be sent while a satellite is available, and wherein the satellite is determined to be available when the router can direct an antenna in a direction such that a link budget toward the available satellite is above a first threshold ensuring a proper communications channel, and a link budget toward any other unintended receiver is below a second threshold ensuring no interference, the availability further based on, a line of sight of the spatial router to the available satellite and the to be available satellite, and an amount of time to transmit at least a portion of the associated queue to the available satellite before the available satellite becomes unavailable due to a loss of the line of sight; receiving, at the spatial router that includes memory, a packet; determining one or more attributes associated with the packet; placing the packet in one of the dynamically created queues based on the one or more attributes and satellite availability; communicating the packet to a satellite, the satellite relaying the packet to the Internet via a ground station.
This invention relates to a method for relaying information from devices or sensors to the Internet using satellite communications. The problem addressed is the efficient and reliable transmission of data from remote or mobile devices to the Internet via satellites, particularly when satellite availability is intermittent due to line-of-sight constraints and other factors. The method involves creating and dynamically updating one or more queues in a spatial router based on satellite availability. The queues are limited to data that can be transmitted while a satellite is available, ensuring efficient use of satellite resources. Satellite availability is determined by assessing whether the router can direct an antenna to establish a proper communication channel with the satellite, ensuring a sufficient link budget to the intended satellite while avoiding interference with other receivers. Availability also considers the line of sight to both the current and upcoming satellites, as well as the time required to transmit at least a portion of the queue before the satellite becomes unavailable due to line-of-sight loss. When a packet is received by the spatial router, its attributes are analyzed, and it is placed in the appropriate queue based on these attributes and satellite availability. The packet is then transmitted to the satellite, which relays it to the Internet via a ground station. This approach optimizes data transmission by dynamically managing queues and satellite resources to ensure reliable and efficient communication.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein one of the dynamic created queues is established whenever a new satellite becomes available for communication.
A method for managing satellite communications involves dynamically creating and managing queues to optimize data transmission between ground stations and satellites. The method addresses the challenge of efficiently handling communication requests when multiple satellites are available for data relay, ensuring timely and reliable data transfer. The system monitors the availability of satellites and dynamically establishes new queues whenever a new satellite becomes available for communication. Each queue is assigned to a specific satellite, allowing the system to distribute data transmission tasks based on satellite availability and capacity. The method also includes prioritizing data packets within the queues to ensure critical or time-sensitive information is transmitted first. By dynamically adjusting the number and assignment of queues, the system maximizes the utilization of available satellite resources, reduces transmission delays, and improves overall communication efficiency. The method is particularly useful in scenarios where multiple satellites are part of a constellation, and their availability changes frequently due to orbital dynamics or operational constraints. The dynamic queue management ensures seamless and uninterrupted data flow, even as satellites enter or leave the communication range.
17. The method of claim 15 , further comprising determining available satellites or aircraft for communication with the spatial router.
A system and method for optimizing communication in a spatial routing network involves dynamically selecting and managing communication links between a spatial router and available satellites or aircraft. The spatial router acts as an intermediary node, facilitating data transmission between ground-based networks and airborne or space-based communication nodes. The method includes identifying and evaluating the availability of satellites or aircraft that can establish communication links with the spatial router. This evaluation may involve assessing signal strength, latency, bandwidth, or other performance metrics to determine the most efficient communication pathways. The system dynamically adjusts routing decisions based on real-time conditions, such as the movement of satellites or aircraft, environmental factors, or network congestion. By continuously monitoring and selecting the optimal communication nodes, the system ensures reliable and high-performance data transmission across the network. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where communication nodes are mobile or where network conditions are variable, such as in aerospace or maritime applications. The method enhances connectivity by leveraging the flexibility of airborne and space-based communication infrastructure, improving data transfer efficiency and reducing latency.
18. The method of claim 15 , further comprising pointing an antenna at one or more different satellites.
A method for satellite communication involves adjusting the orientation of an antenna to establish or maintain connections with multiple satellites. The antenna is dynamically pointed at one or more different satellites to optimize signal reception or transmission. This method may include tracking the position of satellites to determine optimal pointing angles, adjusting the antenna's azimuth and elevation to align with the satellites, and switching between satellites to ensure continuous communication. The technique may also involve compensating for environmental factors such as atmospheric interference or physical obstructions that could degrade signal quality. By selectively pointing the antenna at different satellites, the method improves reliability and efficiency in satellite-based communication systems, particularly in scenarios where line-of-sight conditions change frequently or where multiple satellites are available for redundancy. The method may be applied in ground-based, airborne, or maritime communication systems where maintaining stable satellite links is critical.
19. The method of claim 15 , wherein an empty queue associated with an unavailable satellite is reclaimed and erased.
A method for managing satellite communication systems addresses the problem of inefficient resource utilization when satellites become unavailable. The method involves monitoring the status of satellites in a network to identify those that are unavailable. When an unavailable satellite is detected, the system reclaims and erases an empty queue associated with that satellite. This ensures that system resources are not wasted on maintaining unused data structures, improving overall efficiency. The method may also include dynamically adjusting communication paths to reroute data through available satellites, preventing disruptions in service. By reclaiming and erasing empty queues, the system optimizes memory usage and reduces computational overhead, enhancing performance in satellite-based communication networks. The approach is particularly useful in scenarios where satellite availability fluctuates, such as in low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations or during maintenance periods. The method ensures that resources are allocated dynamically, maintaining reliable communication while minimizing wasted capacity.
20. The method of claim 15 , further comprising pointing an antenna at a satellite, wherein the pointing is a spatial direction and is time varying.
This invention relates to satellite communication systems, specifically methods for optimizing antenna pointing to maintain reliable communication links with satellites. The problem addressed is the need to dynamically adjust antenna direction to account for satellite movement, signal interference, or environmental factors that degrade communication quality. The method involves a process where an antenna is pointed at a satellite in a specific spatial direction, with the pointing direction changing over time to track the satellite's position or compensate for signal disruptions. This time-varying adjustment ensures continuous signal reception or transmission, even as the satellite moves or external conditions vary. The method may also include determining the optimal pointing direction based on signal strength, interference levels, or predefined tracking algorithms. Additionally, the system may incorporate feedback mechanisms to refine pointing accuracy in real time. The invention is particularly useful in applications where maintaining a stable link with a moving satellite is critical, such as in mobile satellite communication systems, remote sensing, or military applications. By dynamically adjusting the antenna's spatial orientation, the method improves signal reliability and reduces the risk of communication dropouts. The time-varying pointing mechanism can be implemented using motorized antenna mounts, electronic beam steering, or other directional control systems.
21. The method of claim 15 , wherein a priority of a queue is modified to reflect a remaining time that an associated satellite will be available for communication before a loss of line of sight.
This invention relates to satellite communication systems, specifically managing communication queues to optimize data transmission before a satellite goes out of line of sight. The problem addressed is ensuring efficient use of limited satellite availability by prioritizing data transmission based on the remaining time a satellite is accessible. The method involves dynamically adjusting the priority of a communication queue based on the remaining time a satellite will be available before losing line of sight. This ensures higher-priority data is transmitted first when the satellite is still in range, preventing data loss due to sudden disconnection. The system monitors satellite availability and adjusts queue priorities in real-time to maximize data throughput before the satellite moves out of communication range. The method may also include determining the remaining time a satellite will be available by tracking its orbital position and calculating the time until it exits the line of sight. The priority adjustment can be based on predefined rules or algorithms that consider factors like data urgency, queue length, and satellite availability. This dynamic prioritization helps maintain continuous communication by ensuring critical data is transmitted before the satellite becomes unavailable. The invention is particularly useful in satellite networks where communication windows are limited, such as in low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems. By optimizing queue priorities, the method improves data transmission efficiency and reduces the risk of lost communication due to satellite movement.
Unknown
August 11, 2020
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